Loosely based on the suspense novel 'Ripley's Game' by Patricia Highsmith, 'The American Friend' has come to be considered one of Wim Wenders' greatest achievements. Set in the seedy underbelly of Hamburg, picture-framer Jonathan (Bruno Ganz) believes he is dying from a blood-disease. Jonathan's cold-hearted American friend - displaced cowboy Tom Ripley (Dennis Hopper) decides to use his illness to his advantage, manipulating Jonathan into carrying out a murder contract. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1977 to critical acclaim and secured itself a firm position as one of the greats of cinema history. ★★★★ "A fascinating mix of director Wim Wenders and author Patricia Highsmith" - Kim Newman, Empire